CEP actively participated in the 29th Council of Europe Conference of Directors of Prison and Probation Services (CDPPS) held in Sofia, Bulgaria, from June 23-25. The event, themed “Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law at the Heart of Prisons and Probation,” saw the participation of 150 delegates from 30 countries. This event was opened with presentations by Bulgaria’s Minister of Justice, Ms. Maria Pavlova, and Mr. Ivaylo Yordanov, General Director for the Execution of Sanctions.

CEP board members were also present and participating. The CEP President, Ms. Annie Devos, delivered a presentation in Workshop 5 on the role of victims in the rehabilitation process. Secretary General, Ms. Jana Spero moderated Workshop 3 on net-widening in probation, with panellists including Board member Mr. Daniel Danglades and honorary member Professor Fergus McNeill. Board member Ms. Danijela Mrhar Prelic moderated Workshop 2 on prisoners’ autonomy. During the event, Poland, a new member, announced they would host the next CDPPS in 2025.

CEP congratulates Bulgaria, especially CEP expert Ms. Nadya Radkovska, for the excellent organization and hospitality.